Robotic Surgery Plus New Multispecialty Approach

More Options, Better Care

Physicians and staff of the Arnold Palmer Prostate Center at Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center are bringing the latest and most efficient care to patients of the Coachella Valley. For the past three years, the Center has been using minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery via the da Vinci® S HD™ system to treat patients with prostate and kidney cancer. Advanced prostate cancer imaging and molecular analysis of prostate cancer are now available. Additionally, a newly created multispecialty clinic is providing patients and physicians with time-saving options and enhanced communication.

Lance Walsh, MD, Board Certified Urologist, who has been working with the da Vinci for six years, prefers the system for the superior outcomes it offers patients. “There is less blood loss with this method and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery,” says Dr. Walsh, who also finds it advantageous to have the system located at Eisenhower where patients may access treatment here in the Valley.

Eisenhower Medical Center is one of only two facilities in the desert equipped with 3T MRI and the only center in the desert to offer the most advanced 3T MRI techniques for diagnostic evaluation of prostate cancers. “Advanced 3T MRI is used to identify the lesion while MRI-guided biopsy can precisely target the tumor,” says Dr. Walsh. “After prostate cancer is diagnosed, information can be obtained from tissue analysis using molecular markers that help predict response to treatment. This truly individualizes care for each patient so they can make better decisions regarding their treatment,” explains Dr. Walsh.

Proving equally effective in the fight against prostate cancer is the Center’s new multispecialty clinic, held every Friday. Started in March 2010, the clinic was the brainchild of Dr. Walsh and Lilli Mandelik, Executive Director of the Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center. “I diagnosed patients with prostate, kidney and bladder cancer and gave them options. Sometimes it would take weeks for consultations with a medical oncologist and radiation oncologist,” says Dr. Walsh. “We wanted to make sure there was good communication among the team of providers to expedite and streamline the process for patients.”

“After prostate cancer is diagnosed, information can be obtained
from tissue analysis using molecular markers that help predict
response to treatment. This truly individualizes care for each patient
so they can make better decisions regarding their treatment.”

—Lance Walsh, MD

Mandelik and Dr. Walsh created a clinic where patients meet with a urologist, oncologist and radiation oncologist all in one sitting. “Each person meets with the patient individually and then we discuss the case. Everyone is communicating with each other. It really is a best practice approach and much more efficient in terms of patient care,” says Dr. Walsh. “We are able to cover the finer points of a case and individualize care which equals better outcomes for the patient.”

According to Mandelik, patients are grateful for access to the three physicians during their first appointment and welcome the opportunity to return to the clinic if they have further questions. “The feedback we have received has been extremely positive,” says Mandelik. “The old approach was time-consuming and confusing. Patients like this new ‘one-stop shop’ approach. They now have input and resources all in one room and are able to decide what treatment options are best for them and what fits into their lifestyle. It truly is patient-focused care."